DAY 1 Session 1:Speaker: World Asthma Foundation
Breathe Well Live Well
The vision of the World Asthma Foundation (WAF) is to improve the quality of life for all Asthmatics. – by advocating for improved understanding of the causes of Asthma, diagnostic tools, methodologies, precision therapies, prevention and one day a cure. WAF supports the Asthma community with educational resources – podcasts, bulletins and in-depth scientific analysis – to foster improved outcomes, doctor-patient relationships and joint decision-making so Asthmatics can take charge of their own health.
In this session you will le arn:
the Concepts, Challenges Barriers, Opportunities of Clean Indoor Air.
Clean indoor air is a fundamental aspect of human health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, many people around the world still face challenges and barriers when it comes to breathing fresh, clean air indoors. In this article, we will explore the concepts, challenges, barriers, and opportunities of clean indoor air.
Concepts:
According to the World Health Organization, “Indoor air pollution is a major environmental health problem affecting both developed and developing countries.” The organization also notes that “indoor air pollution is responsible for a significant burden of disease and mortality, particularly in children under five years of age in developing countries.”
Key takeaway: Indoor air quality is a critical factor in creating a healthy indoor environment, and poor IAQ can have significant health impacts.
Challenges:
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air.” This is due to a range of factors, including poor ventilation, the use of chemicals and materials that emit harmful pollutants, and the presence of mold and other allergens.
Key takeaway: Maintaining clean indoor air is a complex challenge that requires addressing multiple sources of pollution.
Barriers:
According to a study by the World Health Organization, “there are currently no global guidelines for indoor air quality, and national guidelines vary widely.” The study notes that this lack of guidelines can make it challenging for individuals and organizations to know how to improve indoor air quality.
In terms of cost, a report by the National Institutes of Health notes that “the cost of improving indoor air quality can be significant, particularly for low-income families and organizations.” The report goes on to note that “there is a need for cost-effective strategies that can be implemented by all individuals and organizations.”
Key takeaway: Barriers to achieving clean indoor air include a lack of regulations and standards and the high cost of implementing measures to improve IAQ.
Opportunities:
According to the EPA, “one of the simplest ways to improve indoor air quality is to increase ventilation in buildings.” This can be achieved through the use of air exchange systems, natural ventilation, or opening windows and doors.
In terms of reducing the use of products that emit harmful pollutants, a study by the National Institutes of Health notes that “switching to natural cleaning products can significantly reduce levels of indoor air pollutants.” The study also notes that “avoiding the use of air fresheners and scented candles can also reduce indoor air pollution.”
Finally, there is an opportunity to increase awareness and education about indoor air quality. According to the EPA, “educating individuals and organizations about the importance of indoor air quality is critical in improving IAQ.” The organization notes that “developing educational campaigns and providing information and resources can help individuals and organizations make informed decisions about IAQ.”
Key takeaway: Opportunities for improving indoor air quality include increasing ventilation, reducing the use of products that emit harmful pollutants, and increasing awareness and education about indoor air quality.
In conclusion, there is a significant body of data that supports the concepts, challenges, barriers, and opportunities of clean indoor air. Addressing the challenges and barriers to achieving clean indoor air and taking advantage of the opportunities to improve IAQ are critical steps in creating a healthy and safe indoor environment.